Vehicle

1998 Volvo S70 T5 Turbo 4dr Sedan

Review

I purchased this vehicle with 86k 11- 06. It is currently 4-08 and 108k. The ABS Module was replaced for $110 at the used car dealer, as was the thermostat shortly after purchasing. Factory rotors lasted 95k. AC Condensor was replaced in 2004. Hit a dear going 60, bent the hood and broke the glass headlight lenses, nothing more, definitely a solid car. Handles extremely well, 0-60 in 6 seconds is a blast. Not a car for your teenager, get the non-turbo or GLT for them. Zero rust!

Worst Features

Recall the ABS/Traction module. Do away with the oil trap and stick with a standard PVC system. A door ajar light and a boost gauge would have been nice. Better clearcoat for red (peels) Better glove box door.

Following up on this review.
The car now has 165,000 miles. I am still in love with it. I now have a 1998 V70, purchased a 99 V70 for my grandmother, and 2 of my best friends now have S70's.
Since 95k I have performed the following repairs....
I have replaced the upper strut mounts at 150k (they were squeaky)
3rd set if brake pads and rotor in its lifetime at 150k (and I drive VERY hilly areas daily) Driver side caliper replaced as it was sticking from road salt.
Replaced the AC Drier ($15 part, 1 hour labor) as it was
full of moisture and preventing the AC from being cold (typical an all AC systems)
Replaced the CV boot and wheel bearing on the passenger side (nasty nasty pothole did it in) 164k
Both control arms with ball joints 150k ($35 each, most cars will need ball joints especially on northern roads by 150k)
Inner and outer tierods at 150k (they were original)
Had to resolder joints on the ABS module (20 minutes) as the ABS light began to come on again. The ABS and Traction still functioned... the light was just on.
Overall very happy with these Volvos.
Keep the fluids changed (oil, tranny, brake, power steeting, AND coolant!), make sure you change the timing belt and timing belt components every 100k, use Synethetic oil on the Turbo engines and run the suggested fuel (91 octane).
I often forget this car is 14 years old with 165,000 miles on it. Still one of the quickest and fastest in its class.

In comparison our 2002 Mercedes E320 has had its transmission rebuilt at 135k @ $4,000. complete front end overhall (ball joints, tie rods, control arms, sway bar, bushings) at 135k, and has rust over the size of a quarter in 20 different spots. The windows have fallen in and have required back ordered special order window regulators. Special tools, fluids, and diagnostics systems make the Mercedes a complete nightmare to own unless you fork out the $$$$$$ for sub-par service at a dealer.